MIT: Independent Activities Period: IAP

IAP 2013



Twenty Classic French Films

Randall Warniers, Visiting Scientist

Feb/01 Fri 03:00PM-04:00PM E15-363

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/31


The French invented cinematography in the 19th century, and they have pioneered important developments in cinema ever since. This one-hour IAP class will discuss twenty of the most successful and influential French films, from the silent era to the present day, and describe why you should see them. The class will communicate the richness, power, variety, and beauty of French cinema in all its forms, including comedies, dramas, musicals, histories, art films, gangster films, and film noir. We won’t watch the films in class, but all are available on DVD, and every attendee will take away a list of the twenty selected films for future reference. If you’ve ever been moved by the indefinable je ne sais quoi of French cinema, or if you want to learn more about Jean Gabin or Catherine Deneuve, or if you are looking for a good existential drama for a cold winter night, then this is the class for you.

Sponsor(s): Media Arts and Sciences
Contact: Taya Leary, tleary@mit.edu